Grow Collard Greens In Your Garden This Year
Updated on
February 8, 2024
Growing Collard Greens
If you're looking to diversify your garden and try something new this year, planting collard greens is the perfect way to do it. Collard greens offer a unique flavor unlike any other vegetable and are surprisingly easy to grow for both novice and experienced gardeners. Not to mention, they are highly nutritious, packed with a plethora of health benefits. From learning how to prepare and enjoy collard greens, to understanding the tips and tricks of growing them in your own garden, here’s everything you need to know about this unique vegetable.
Follow us to keep learning!
Cheatsheet: Growing Collard Greens
Choose the Right Variety
🥬 Select a variety suited to your climate and taste preference.
Sow Seeds or Transplant
🌱 Direct sow seeds or transplant seedlings for faster harvest.
Provide Sun and Well-drained Soil
☀️ Plant collard greens in full sun with rich, well-drained soil.
Water Regularly
💧 Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Control Pests and Diseases
🐌 Protect against pests like aphids and caterpillars using organic methods.
Harvest at the Right Time
⌛ Pick young leaves for a mild taste or mature leaves for a stronger flavor.
Enjoy Nutritional Benefits
🌿 Collard greens are packed with vitamins A, K, and C, and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Achieve Self-Sufficiency
🌱 Growing your own collard greens helps save money and promotes sustainable living.
I've always been amazed by the hardiness and adaptability of Collard Greens. Originally a staple in the southern United States, they are gaining popularity worldwide for their nutritional value and culinary versatility. And the best part? Growing Collard Greens in your own garden is a breeze!
1. Selecting and Preparing the Site
Like most vegetables, Collard Greens prefer a sunny spot in your garden. They can tolerate a little shade, especially in hot climates, but ideally, aim for a location with at least six hours of sunlight each day. The soil should be well-draining but keep in mind, it doesn't need to be perfect; these beauties aren't picky. I recommend enriching the soil with some organic matter such as compost, which will boost nutrients and improve structure.
2. Sowing and Planting
When it comes to planting, there are two routes you can take - direct sowing or transplanting. If you're direct sowing, plant the seeds about a quarter inch deep, at least 18 inches apart. You'll see seedlings pop up within a couple of weeks. Alternatively, start the seeds indoors about 8 weeks before last frosts, then transplant them into your garden after hardening off.
3. Care and Maintenance
These leafy greens require moderate watering. Depending on the weather, a good soak once or twice a week should suffice. Mulching around the plants will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil temperature constant. Keep an eye out for pests like slugs, caterpillars, and aphids. Prompt attention using organic controls can prevent problems.
Did you know? Collard Greens have been cultivated since ancient times and were a favourite of the Romans!
4. Harvesting
One of the joys of growing Collard Greens is the 'cut and come again' nature of the harvest. Like the wise gardeners before us, we take advantage of the plant producing new leaves as we remove outer ones. This way, a single plant can give us greens for months! Thorough washing is recommended to remove any residual dirt or tiny critters.
5. Overwintering
And finally, an interesting aspect of these magnificent greens - they are frost-tolerant! In fact, frost makes them sweeter. As the temperatures drop, consider setting up a simple frost cloth or making a mini greenhouse to extend the harvesting season.
Growing Collard Greens is a gratifying adventure, combining sustainability, health, and gastronomy. There's a certain satisfaction in picking fresh greens from your own garden for a hearty meal. So, why not give it a try and add Collards to your garden this year?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When should I start growing collard greens?
Start growing collard greens in early spring or late summer.
2. How do I prepare the soil for growing collard greens?
Prepare well-drained soil with organic compost.
3. What is the ideal spacing when planting collard greens?
Space collard greens 12-18 inches apart to allow room for growth.
4. How often should I water collard greens?
Ensure collard greens receive 1-1.5 inches of water per week.
5. What pests should I watch out for when growing collard greens?
Watch out for cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles.
6. Can I grow collard greens in containers?
Absolutely! Choose large containers with good drainage.
7. How long does it take for collard greens to mature?
Collard greens typically reach maturity in 55-85 days.
8. Can I harvest collard greens more than once?
Yes, you can harvest outer leaves while leaving inner leaves to grow.
9. How should I store harvested collard greens?
Refrigerate collard greens in a plastic bag for up to a week.
10. Are collard greens a cold or heat-tolerant crop?
Collard greens are both cold and heat-tolerant.
Growing collard greens is a great way to increase your access to fresh, nutrient-rich food in your own home. From soups and salads to side dishes and entrées, collard greens can be used in a variety of ways to boost the nutritional content of your meals. Plus growing them will not only save you money but will provide you with the satisfaction of providing sustainable, healthy and tasty food for your family and friends! So why wait? Get growing collard greens today!
